Tom Peterkin: Nicola Sturgeon mixes old and new
Nicola Sturgeon’s first Cabinet was a chance for the new First Minister to put down a marker at the outset of her leadership. Having made much of her commitment to gender equality this week she led by example and produced a Cabinet with a strong feminine side featuring women in key positions such as Health and Education.
It was obvious that Kenny MacAskill had to go and it would appear that he wanted to go, having endured years of constant criticism.
Mike Russell has also had his share of criticism, over college funding in particular. He posted a gracious tweet wishing his successor well and the official line was that he was also happy to leave. One suspects, however, that he will not find losing high office easy. In letting him go, Sturgeon must realise that there is a risk that he could prove to be a thorn in the leadership’s side from the backbenches.